How common are construction site injuries in New York?

Construction work is, by its very nature, one of the most dangerous types of careers a person can undertake. The risks of injury are present on a daily basis all over the construction site, and it is not uncommon for a New York construction worker to suffer an on-the-job injury.

If you suffer an injury on a site, it is important to know what to do next. Here is some information about how common construction injuries are in New York, and what you should do if you become harmed while on the clock.

Frequency of construction injuries in New York

In terms of construction site fatalities, New York figures went up in 2016 to a 14-year high, with 71 deaths in construction-related accidents that year. A study by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health found that New York was among the top 10 states in the nation for construction fatalities, with falls resulting in the most deaths. Across the state of New York, construction accidents that involved either injury or death went from 128 in 2011 to 435 in 2015, according to the Committee. Inspections during the same period of time decreased.

This upward trend in fatalities and injuries in the construction sector, and the decline in safety inspections over the same time period, mean that more New York construction workers are in a position where they may need to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries.

What to do after a construction injury

The first and most important thing to after a construction site accident that results in an injury is to report the accident and injury to your employer. New York employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. However, in some cases of injury, there could be the basis for a lawsuit. If negligence played a factor in your injury, you may be entitled to receive additional compensation.

The best way to find out whether you should seek additional recourse through the courts for your construction site injury is to have a consultation with a personal injury attorney. An attorney who works with these cases can help you understand the specifics of your case, as well as advise you about how to proceed.